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Mumbai City FC will be keen to keep the momentum after they recorded their first win in this season’s Hero Indian Super League when they beat the then leaders Delhi Dynamos 2-0 at home. Four days later, Mumbai City FC will come up against ISL’s new leaders in FC Goa as Zico’s men make a trip to the D.Y. Patil Stadium to face Mumbai City FC later today.
The two teams had nothing between them on both the occasions when these two sides crossed swords including goals as the sides played out two goalless draws last time out. But with much-changed teams for both clubs and a lot more attacking flair on the pitch, the trend looks likely to be discontinued.
FC Goa come into the game in fine form, having won back to back games after their disastrous 4-0 loss at the hands of Chennaiyin. Mumbai City FC too head into this clash with the Gaurs on a winning note after their blanking of the Delhi Dynamos.
One can expect plenty of fireworks in this contest as both teams have attacking talent in abundance.
Venue, Kick-off Timing & Live Telecast
Venue – Dr. D.Y. Patil Stadium
Kick-off Timing – 7 PM IST
Live Telecast – For English Viewers – Star Sports 2& HD2
For Hindi Viewers – Star Sports 3& HD3
Live Streaming – www.starsports.com
Team News
Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC Assistant coach Oscar Bruzon revealed that marquee player Nicolas Anelka is expected to be available for playing ‘very very soon’. The Spaniard believed that Anelka has a chance to feature in the game, but was coy about revealing the entire picture.
Bruzon also went on to admit that he seems to have found the right team combination after their win against Delhi Dynamos and that means Mumbai City FC are unlikely to make many changes to the team that emerged victorious on Wednesday evening. If Anelka is to return he will slot in straight away in the center forward’s role at the expense of Subhash Singh, but Anelka may opt to use himself as a substitute if things warrant that way in the match.
FC Goa
FC Goa may be forced to rotate their team a bit for the game against Mumbai City FC, having played against Kerala Blasters just three days ago. But Zico is expected to stick with his big guns for the game and it’s unlikely that Zico would like to change too many things from their last two games, after they resulted in wins.
FC Goa have opted for a more compact outfit since the 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Chennaiyin FC and Zico revealed that he is likely to go down that route once again to give his side better protection against the attacking flair of Mumbai City FC.
Local boy Raju Gaekwad could get the nod ahead of Colaco after he came on for the Gaurs in the second half.
Possible Lineups
Mumbai City FC predicted XI (4-2-3-1) – Subrata Pal, Aitor, Pavel Cmovs, Darren O’Dea, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai, Juan Aguilera, Christian Bustos, Sunil Chhetri, Gabriel Fernandes, Sony Norde, Subhash Singh
FC Goa predicted XI – Kattimani, Raju Gaekwad, Gregory Arnolin, Luciano Sabrosa, Narayan Das, Lucca, Bikramjeet, Pranoy Halder, Leo Moura, Duffy, Reinaldo
Key Facts
- FC Goa have a 67% shot accuracy this season and have managed 38 shots on target out of 57 total shots. Mumbai City FC have a 50% shot accuracy with 26 shots on target of the total 52 shots.
- The above statistics point to plenty of goals in the game and with that deadly shot accuracy, Mumbai City FC wouldn’t want to give the FC Goa forwards too many sights of the goal.
- Both FC Goa and Mumbai City FC have put in exactly 90 crosses each into the box. Both teams are strong on their flanks and it will be the battle on the flanks that will ultimately decide the outcome of this game.
Key Battles
Sunil Chhetri vs Jonatan Lucca
Sunil Chhetri got among the goals against the Delhi Dynamos and he along with Sony Norde created havoc in the Dynamos defense. Sunil Chhetri reveled in that free role behind the striker and created plenty of problems for the Dynamos backline by getting into the pockets of space between the midfield and defence. Chhetri and Norde combined well and interchanged roles on several occasions leaving their markers in the spin.
Jonaton Lucca will be in charge of that area for FC Goa and he will have to keep a close eye on Sunil Chhetri and now allow him to get into good positions in between the midfield and the defence. This battle will be key to the game and could easily determine which way the game tilts.
Leo Moura vs Cristian Bustos
Similar to Sunil Chhetri Leo Moura will pose a huge threat to the Mumbai City FC defence and the hosts will have to deal with him. Cristian Bustos will be dealt with the responsibility of keeping Moura quiet and Cristian Bustos is likely to have his hands full of Leo Moura. Bustos will have to be wary of the trickery of Leo Moura and will have to get him out of the game.
Prediction
Home advantage could be crucial for Mumbai City FC, who despite their first win of the season will be looking to get their season back on track. FC Goa may struggle to contain the attackers of Mumbai City FC and fatigue may also be a factor after the Gaurs being involved in another game not so long ago. The game could go either way, but the hosts are slight favorites to nick it.
Mumbai City FC 2-1 FC Goa
